How to uninstall Trend Micro on PC and Mac – complete guide

Trend Micro offers various security solutions for Windows and Mac. However, there might come a time when you decide to switch to a different antivirus, experience compatibility issues, or want to remove it from your system. 

This guide will walk you through the steps of uninstalling Trend Micro, ensuring a smooth transition to your next line of defense.

Before You uninstall: protect yourself

Uninstalling antivirus software temporarily leaves your device vulnerable. Ensure you have an alternative solution ready to avoid security lapses. This could involve:

• Installing a replacement antivirus:  Download and prepare your new security software before removing Trend Micro.
• Enabling Windows Defender (Windows only): For temporary protection, consider activating Windows Defender.

Uninstalling Trend Micro on Windows

Trend Micro typically provides two main methods for uninstalling their software:

Option 1: standard uninstall

1. Open the Windows Start menu and go to Settings -> Apps (or Apps & Features).
2. Locate your Trend Micro product(s) (e.g., Trend Micro Maximum Security, Trend Micro Internet Security).
3. Click “Uninstall” for each Trend Micro product and follow the onscreen prompts.
4. You may need to restart your device to finish the process.

Option 2: Trend Micro Diagnostic Toolkit

For situations like incomplete uninstalls, or if you want a more thorough removal, Trend Micro offers a specialized tool:

1. Visit the Trend Micro support website and search for “Diagnostic Toolkit.”
2. Download and run the toolkit, following the instructions provided for your specific product.

Uninstalling Trend Micro on Mac

Removing software on macOS is generally a simple process:

1. Open Finder and navigate to your Applications folder.
2. Locate the Trend Micro application icon(s).
3. Drag the Trend Micro application(s) to the Trash (or Bin) and empty the Trash.

Important considerations

Disable Tamper Protection

If Trend Micro’s Tamper Protection feature is enabled, it can block any attempts to uninstall or modify the software. To ensure a smooth uninstallation process, you’ll need to disable this feature beforehand. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Trend Micro application on your device.
2. Navigate to the settings or configuration menu.
3. Look for the “Tamper Protection” option (it may also be listed under general or advanced settings).
4. Disable the feature and save your changes.

Disabling Tamper Protection ensures the uninstaller has full access to remove all Trend Micro components without interference. If you skip this step, the uninstall process could fail or leave residual files behind.

Check for leftover files

While the standard uninstall process or the Trend Micro Diagnostic Toolkit removes most files, some residual files or folders may remain on your system. Advanced users can manually check for and delete these leftover components, but caution is advised to avoid accidentally deleting critical system files.

Common locations for Trend Micro files on Windows:

• C:\Program Files (x86)\Trend Micro
• C:\ProgramData\Trend Micro
• C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local\Trend Micro

Common locations for Trend Micro files on Mac:

• /Library/Application Support/Trend Micro/
• ~/Library/Application Support/Trend Micro/
• /Library/LaunchAgents/ (check for any Trend Micro-related startup items)

Deleting leftover files can free up disk space and ensure no conflicts arise with your new antivirus software. However, if you’re unsure, it’s safer to rely on Trend Micro’s Diagnostic Toolkit or consult their support team for guidance.

Proceed with caution

Be extremely careful when manually removing files, particularly in system directories like the Windows ProgramData or macOS /Library folders. Accidentally deleting essential system files can result in application errors, performance issues, or even render your system unstable. If you’re not confident in your ability to identify Trend Micro-related files, it’s best to stick with official tools or seek assistance.

Troubleshooting and Support

Trend Micro processes still active

Sometimes, Trend Micro processes may remain active even after attempting to uninstall. This can prevent the uninstallation process from completing or lead to errors. To resolve this:

On Windows:

1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
2. Look for any processes related to Trend Micro (e.g., “Trend Micro Antivirus” or “TmPfw.exe”).
3. Right-click each process and select “End Task.”

On Mac:

1. Open Activity Monitor (located in Applications > Utilities).
2. Search for Trend Micro-related processes.
3. Select the processes and click the “X” (Force Quit) button in the toolbar.

After terminating all active processes, retry the uninstallation process or use the Trend Micro Diagnostic Toolkit for a more thorough removal.

Can’t uninstall Trend Micro

If you’re unable to uninstall Trend Micro using the standard method, the issue might stem from incomplete installations, corrupted files, or lack of administrative rights. To address this:

1. Use the Trend Micro Diagnostic Toolkit: This tool is specifically designed to handle stubborn uninstalls. Download it from the official Trend Micro support site, run it as an administrator, and follow the instructions for your product.
2. Verify administrative privileges: Ensure you’re logged in as an administrator on your device. Without the correct permissions, the uninstaller may fail.
3. Check for updates: If your Trend Micro installation is outdated, update it to the latest version before attempting to uninstall. Older versions may have bugs that interfere with the removal process.

If these steps fail, visit the Trend Micro support website for detailed troubleshooting guides. Their FAQ section often addresses common uninstall issues, and you can contact their customer support team for personalized assistance through live chat, email, or phone.

Additional support resources

Trend Micro’s customer support team is well-equipped to handle uninstall issues. Before reaching out, prepare the following information to streamline the process:

• The name and version of the Trend Micro product you’re trying to uninstall.
• Your operating system version (e.g., Windows 10, macOS Ventura).
• Any error codes or messages you’ve encountered during the uninstall attempt.

With this information, Trend Micro support can provide tailored solutions to help you remove the software completely and resolve any lingering issues.

Choose your next antivirus: stay protected

If you’re seeking a robust replacement for Trend Micro, consider these options:

• Surfshark Antivirus: Lightweight protection with real-time scanning and a user-friendly interface.
• TotalAV: Comprehensive security suite with a range of tools for system optimization.
• Norton 360:  Well-established provider offering powerful protection and additional features.

Uninstalling Trend Micro FAQs